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Defamation case against Rahul: UP court reserves order for May 2
On April 22, 2026, a UP MP-MLA court heard arguments in Rahul Gandhi’s defamation case and reserved its order for May 2 after considering a Section 311 CrPC application. The proceedings referenced prior hearings on March 28 and April 17, 2026, along with earlier actions dating back to 2018. Gandhi surrendered in 2024 and has provided statements in the case since.
Why It Matters
The outcome could influence Rahul Gandhi’s legal exposure in a defamation matter and reflects ongoing legal processes involving a political figure in Uttar Pradesh.
Timeline
7 Events
Hearing and order reservation
April 22, 2026
Arguments were heard in the MP-MLA court; the court reserved its order for May 2 after considering an application under Section 311.
Previous hearing held
April 17, 2026
The previous hearing in the matter was held on April 17.
Voice-sample examination application
March 28, 2026
During the March 28 hearing, the complainant sought examination of Gandhi's voice sample under Section 311 read with Section 91 CrPC to match it with a CD at a forensic laboratory.
Gandhi appears and records statement
July 26, 2024
Gandhi appeared before the court and recorded his statement, denying involvement and describing the case as a political conspiracy.
Post-statement direction to present evidence
July 2024
Following Gandhi's statement, the court directed the complainant to present evidence, after which witnesses were examined.
Gandhi surrenders; bail granted
February 20, 2024
Rahul Gandhi surrendered before the MP-MLA court and was granted bail on two sureties of ₹25,000 each.
Case filed
October 2018
The defamation case against Rahul Gandhi was filed in October 2018 by local BJP politician Vijay Mishra.